Mental health field lacks resources to fight opioid epidemic

The mental health field lacks the resources needed to fight the U.S. opioid epidemic. | Courtesy of Shutterstock

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recently presented at the Family Medicine Experience (FMX), claiming the ongoing opioid epidemic in the U.S. is as much a matter of mental health resources as it is chronic pain concerns.

The Congress of Delegates, which is the AAFP’s policy-making body, recently voted on related issues. One subject repeatedly mentioned was the opioid crisis in the U.S. Multiple presenters said that prescribing practices must be changed and that rehabilitation services must be made more readily available.

Unfortunately, the opioid crisis is also a problem of mental health and self-medication. Too many people are trying to treat their mental and physical health concerns with a pill for a “quick fix.” Instead, people should consult health care teams to get advice about multiple health factors, discovering the underlying root of patients’ maladies.

U.S. culture and the health care system have stigmatized and devalued mental health to such a level that hospitals cannot afford to sustain the facilities and staff that are needed to help patients with mental health concerns. In 1995, approximately 340 public psychiatric beds were available for every 100,000 people. In 2005, there were just 17 beds for every 100,000 people.

Health experts believe making progress with the ongoing opioid epidemic first requires that the U.S. health care system be changed. Furthermore, U.S. health care culture must recognize mental health as a significant factor in opioid abuse.